16-year-old girl shot in head in Queens, likely caught in crossfire
ST. ALBANS, Queens (WABC) -- A 16-year-old girl was critically wounded after being shot while sitting in a car in Queens, police say. She was apparently an innocent bystander.
Officials say the shooter is still on the run.
The shooting happened at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on Lucas Street near 121st Avenue.
The teen, later identified as Claudia Quaatey, was shot once in the head while sitting in a car outside outside P.S. 015 Jackie Robinson, authorities said.
The victim was rushed to Jamaica Hospital and her father said she is brain dead.
The Hyundai SUV she was in was left with a bullet hole in the window
Police tell Eyewitness News she does not appear to have been the intended target and has no criminal record.
Officials believe she likely got caught up in gunfire between two groups who were shooting at each other.
A neighbor said the playground outside PS 15 was full of children and adults enjoying the warm evening when someone started shooting.
It's the kind of violence that residents said they haven't seen in decades.
"I'm sort of shocked to know this happened, especially near a school, but then I'm grateful that it happened after school hours," Steve Fields said.
An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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